Mobility International USA (MIUSA) Invites women with disabilities around the world to apply for the 6th International Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD)
August 6 – 27, 2012 (Tentative)

Eugene, Oregon, USA

ABOUT MIUSA:
Mobility International USA (MIUSA) is a U.S.-based, non-profit organization whose mission is to empower people with disabilities around the world to achieve their human rights through international exchange and international development.

ABOUT THE WILD PROGRAM:
MIUSA’s Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD) will bring together approximately 30 women leaders with disabilities from approximately 30 different countries, to strengthen leadership skills, create new visions and build international networks of support for inclusive international development programming.

During the three-week program, participants will take part in workshops, seminars and discussions, conduct on-site visits, and participate in team-building activities, to explore challenges and exchange strategies for increasing leadership opportunities and participation of women and girls with disabilities in international development programs.

WHO CAN APPLY: ELIGIBILITY
Women with disabilities who are from:

South Pacific

Middle East

Latin America

Caribbean

Eurasia

Asia

Africa

Women with disabilities who are:

Established leaders and/or professionals

Emerging young leaders, ages 21 and above

Women with disabilities who speak or use at least ONE of the following languages:

Conversational English (minimum)

Spanish

Arabic

Sign Language; preferably familiar with American Sign Language (ASL)

• MIUSA uses ASL sign language interpreters who are experienced and skilled at providing interpretation for individuals who use different sign languages.
• Spoken and sign language interpretation will be provided during formal program activities, workshops, discussions and site visits only.

WHO CAN APPLY: QUALIFICATIONS
Women leaders with disabilities who demonstrate:

Personal experience with disability, an understanding of issues, and a commitment to working for the rights of women and girls with disabilities

Membership in an organization led by and for people with disabilities, or by and for women, with particular attention to issues of women and girls with disabilities; or civil society organization committed to the inclusion of women and girls with disabilities

Commitment to and capacity for increasing leadership opportunities of women with disabilities in the community and/or country

Commitment to and capacity for increasing the participation of women and girls with disabilities in international development programs

MIUSA will strive for diversity of geographic region, age, ethnic background, and types of disability in final selection of qualified participants. MIUSA will give priority to qualified women with disabilities who:

Are from rural communities

Are members of indigenous groups

Have not participated in a MIUSA exchange program

Have not visited the United States

PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
The WILD program will include interactive workshops, site visits and practical activities on priority issues for women with disabilities, including:

• National and International Policies and Legislation, including the UN Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Disability Policy
• Educational rights and opportunities including specialized and inclusive schools, policy and legal rights, services and accommodations for accessibility
• Leadership for economic empowerment, including higher education, training models, supported employment, microenterprise, private sector partnerships, career mentorship, skill-building, employment policy, and career development.
• Health and family issues including parenting, health care, HIV/AIDS, reproductive health and violence prevention
• Using the media
• Coalition building
• Organizational development and sustainability, including funding resources and strategies, and fostering partnerships with community organizations and businesses
• Goals and action plans to promote collaborative relationships with other organizations for the inclusion of women and girls with disabilities in international development programs.
• Inclusive international development, including exchanging strategies for inclusion with representatives from U.S-based international development organizations and/or human rights organizations
• Cultural and team-building experiences
• Mentorship and networking

LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION:

• Simple but comfortable lodging with a local host family will be provided. During one-week of the program, shared lodging will be provided at a simple outdoor retreat center.
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided each day. All supplemental meals, snacks, or personal incidentals (including laundry) will be at the expense of each delegate.
• Accessible public transportation will be provided.
Note: Please do not expect “luxury” accommodations, meals, or transportation.

PROGRAM COST:
Accepted participants will be responsible for:
1. $250 USD program fee. Limited scholarships may be available based on applicant’s demonstrated financial need. Applications for a scholarship will be provided upon acceptance to the WILD program.
2. Obtaining a current, valid passport and U.S. visa, including all related costs such as travel to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the home country

MIUSA will provide:
1. Roundtrip airplane tickets for participants to travel from home countries to Eugene, Oregon, USA
2. Travel health insurance during the WILD program
3. Food, lodging, program activities and accessible public transportation during the WILD program
4. Disability-related accommodations, including sign language interpreters, funding for personal assistants, etc.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MARCH 1, 2012

APPLY EARLY!
We receive a large number of applications for a limited number of openings.
Send your application by e-mail (preferred), or fax:

One Response to “Apply for 6th International Women’s Institute on Leadership and Disability (WILD)”

Thank you for suporting women with disabilities its a very good initiative.Ican’t you give a chance to submit in an application ,because i have got the message today and i feel i qualify to be adeligate.Winfred